Smoking - do you or don't you?

[dean owens]

i used to smoke and loved it. i only quit because it was getting in the way of my ability to talk about certain things. i quit over night. it was the first time i was able to do that and it stick. amazing. now the stuff is repulsive to me.

but, i think people have a right to smoke. government should never try to protect us from ourselves. and if someone wants to run a smoking business they should be allowed to. the same if someone wants to run a non-smoking business. if a local grocery store wants to allow people to smoke as they shop. i have the right to go somewhere else. i don't have to shop there. i don't have to go to a restaurant that allows smoking. i think it's ridiculous that people are told what to do with their private property. oh, and workers don't have to work there either.

just my take on the subject.

[JC Viper]

apparently more companies are starting to not hire smokers or getting rid of them because of the increased cost of covering their health insurance.

[BuzZz]

This new job I just got offers something I haven't experienced in many years. We can smoke in the shop, at will, not just at break time.

I know this don't mean much to most people, but to the 95% of us greasy buggers in the trade, this is like going back to the good old days with 25 cent breakfasts, bottomless coffee, free donuts every morning and supper waiting on the table when you get home. You know.... the 50's.....

[NorthernPete]

Myself, I enjoy a cigar once and a while. I dont inhale it, I "Enjoy" it I guess. As for smoking bans in resteraunts and bars and what not, in my opinion its a good thing for the folks who work there. Second hand smoke has been linked to cancer and alot of other illnesses, and if there was a chemical in your workplace that had the affects and was as easily exposable as smoke, I doubt that there would be alot of uproar over it being banned.

Im not going to go around spraying people with a squirt bottle if theyre smoking ala Artie Ziff *squirt squirt* your lungs will thank me!

Smoke outside, you'll get fresh air while you get your fresh air. besides, its not that cold out.

[Funderbird]

However, I know I want to see my baby girl at her wedding. So, 5 days ago I quit. I am using the patch and gum and am doing horrible. I am moody and a psyco. I flip out over the dumbest things. Anyway, I have noticed a change in my lung capacity just in five days. Good luck to all that are trying to quit...

[olebiker]

Hang in it gets better pretty quick.

[blues2cruise]

However, I know I want to see my baby girl at her wedding. So, 5 days ago I quit. I am using the patch and gum and am doing horrible. I am moody and a psyco. I flip out over the dumbest things. Anyway, I have noticed a change in my lung capacity just in five days. Good luck to all that are trying to quit...

Awesome news Funderbird.

Your withdrawal sounds just like PMS...at least you get to get over it.

Keep up the good work.

[aw58]

Haven't read everyones post so hope I am not going over old ground.

smoked for 25 yrs gave up Dec 99.

Bless everyone who smokes. They are taxed to high heaven and save me the burden. Yes they'll probably need NHS healthcare but they've paid in - and on another positive note - they'll probably die earlier and leave a bit more in the pension fund for me.

Think of the tobacco planters - we are in a depression - they need all the help they can get.

Ade

[locknload]

heavy smoker here. most people say it's a bad habit but we all know it's a nasty addiction. a bad habit is picking your nose at the movies,etc.